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Technical Officer, Tobacco control

Copenhagen

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Copenhagen
  • Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • EU/DNP NCDs and Promoting Health through the Life-Course
  • Closing Date: Closed

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHOAll Member States of WHO in the European Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. The General Programme of Work defines the mission of WHO as one to promote health, to keep the world safe, and to protect the vulnerable. The GPW calls for heightened accountability, prioritising impact and outcome at country level, and to improve the lives of three billion people, through universal health coverage, through addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.The 13th General Programme of Work defines the mission of WHO as one to promote health, to keep the world safe, and to protect the vulnerable. The GPW calls for heightened accountability, prioritising impact and outcome at country level, and to improve the lives of three billion people, through universal health coverage, through addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.WHO's mandate revolves around six core functions\: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends.The European Region (EURO) of WHO is made up of 53 countries, with over 880 million people. The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of the society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems, the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate and, more specifically, how these bear upon the way the health system stewardship function of health ministries is carried out.Mission of the WHO Regional Office for Europe and Objective of the Division of Noncommunicable Diseases and Promoting Health through the Life Course (DNP).The DNP Division aims to improve health during all stages of life by addressing the social, environmental, behavioural and biological determinants of chronic diseases. The Division achieves this aim by applying the principles and practice of health promotion as well as integrating the prevention, control and management of disease in order to\:(a) assist countries in the Region to design, establish and run effective health and intersectoral programmes that are able to tackle the burden of chronic diseases and conditions, particularly focusing on\: (i) noncommunicable diseases (cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory diseases) as well as related conditions and risk factors (harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs, tobacco use, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity); (ii) mental health and neuro-degenerative disorders; (iii) violence and injuries.(b) assist countries to promote health across the life course, particularly focusing on\:(i) child and adolescent health; (ii) sexual and reproductive health, including maternal and newborn health, women's health and rights; (iii) healthy ageing; (c) maintain regional integrated surveillance systems and assisting countries in developing disease and risk factor surveillance systems, to determine and monitor burden of disease, risks factors and health determinants, and to propose relevant applied research projects, health interventions and partnerships to tackle the acute and long-term health impact of those diseases and risk factors.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

In the context of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to advise on the WHO EURO's technical policy in tobacco control. To develop and promote evidence-based interventions to reduce tobacco use among adults and youth and stop the tobacco epidemic. To develop technical guidelines and to provide technical assistance to countries in the WHO Europe Region and cooperate in the in the introduction, implementation and evaluation of activities, and supporting WHO country offices in their activities.

Assisting Member States with the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control\:

1. Assist in developing and implementing evidence-based approaches, adapted to regional and country needs, in the technical areas related to the core articles of the WHO FCTC and MPOWER measures with a strong focus on the effective implementation of the WHO FCTC at country level.
2. Build tobacco control capacity and skills in the key Ministries and stakeholders by providing evidence and advice, contributing to strengthening their response to challenges from non-health sectors and industry.
3. Synthesise existing and emerging tobacco control related knowledge in form of information briefs, evidence briefs and bilateral country tailored analysis in support of an evidence base for dissemination to Member States as required.
4. Assist in producing evidence-based policy papers on tobacco control, analytical briefs on upcoming and pertinent tobacco control issues, country good practices and lessons learned.
5. Maintain and regularly update the tobacco control database as part of the risk factor integrated database providing support in and advice on how to best integrate existing data and evidence into national policy frameworks.
5. Perform any other duties as assigned.

Assisting Member States with tobacco surveillance and monitoring as part of the efforts to strengthen tobacco surveillance and monitoring systems in countries\:

1. Provide technical support to Member States in the areas of tobacco surveillance, epidemiology, statistics, survey research and methods, data collection and analysis in close collaboration with the Surveillance team in the NCD project in Moscow, Russian Federation.
2. Collaborate in close cooperation with the Surveillance team, with the national and international agencies to facilitate the implementation of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System components including the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, Global Youth Tobacco Survey and Global Tobacco Control Report.
3. Assist in writing of regional and country reports on tobacco surveillance and control initiatives. 
4. Perform any other surveillance and monitoring related duties as and when required by the Regional Office.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: University degree in health, statistics, demography, social sciences, economics with a concentration in epidemiology or health statistics

Desirable\: Post graduate degree in demography, epidemiology, public health, survey management or related field.

Experience

Essential\: Minimum of 5 years' working experience in the area of tobacco control at national international levels, including experience in conducting surveillance in public health at national, regional and global level. Knowledge of surveys, health information and data collection systems.
Desirable\: Familiarity with the UN system, in general, and the WHO system in particular. Knowledge of or previous work experience within EURO Region.

Skills

Advanced knowledge, direct experience and proven ability in surveillance, research, capacity building, coordination of projects;

Knowledge and technical expertise in surveillance, evidence-based public health approaches to prevent and control tobacco use and other NCD risk factors;

Experience and proficiency in working with governments and other partners in an effective and competent manner and with due regard for cultural diversities;

Ability to develop innovative approaches and solutions.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of Russian.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 59,151 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3135 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
  • Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
  • A written test may be used as a form of screening.
  • In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
  • Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
  • WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
  • WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
  • WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
  • Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
  • For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.
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This vacancy is now closed.